The oikos UNDP Young Scholars Development Academy 2011 at IIM Bangalore provides PhD students and young scholars working on poverty and sustainable development from a management or economics perspective a platform to present and discuss their ongoing research projects with fellow students and senior faculty.

Research on inclusive business models, market development and sustainability at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) is a promising and challenging field for young researchers and PhD students. It calls for a multitude of methods, combination of disciplines in management and economics and new research designs, e.g. experimental development economics.

The 2011 academy focus, “From Models to Markets for Inclusive Development”, aims to attract papers fostering new ideas and solutions how businesses, governments and other stakeholders can build markets that build on local capabilities, include the poor and create opportunities for sustainable development. The event aims to advance academic research on the Base of the Pyramid (BoP), development and governance issues, build networks across disciplinary boundaries and to prepare the ground for research that is relevant for both academic and business audiences.

Programme and Faculty

The programme encompasses graduate student presentations, guest lectures, professional development roundtables and social events. Feedback will be given by fellow students and five well-reputed researchers:

Ana-Maria Peredo, University of Victoria, Canada
Harry Barkema, London School of Economics, UK
Johanna Mair, IESE Business School, Spain
Sourav Mukherji, IIM Bangalore, India
Raghavan Srinivasan, IIM Bangalore, India

Application and Deadlines

To allow in-depth discussions the oikos UNDP Young Scholars Development Academy is always limited to 15 PhD students and young scholars working on poverty and development from a management or economics perspective. The fee is CHF 400. The oikos Foundation for Economy and Ecology will cover the total cost of accommodation, food and excursions.

Please note that only applications from PhD students currently enrolled in a PhD programme and young scholars who have already received their PhD and work in post-doc or similar research positions are eligible. Please do not apply when you are not enrolled as a PhD student, or only plan to do so in the future.

Application deadline was 31 March 2011
Applicants were notified by 15 April 2011.
Final papers must be received for circulation to academy participants by 15 June 2011.

oikos Travel Grant

Up to three grants (travel, fee and accommodation) are available for outstanding young scholars coming from developing countries. To apply for one of these grants, please provide a Letter of Interest and a Reference Letter from a senior faculty member together with your application to the academy. Please note that the grants only apply for participating in the oikos UNDP Young Scholars Programme - we do not have general funding for attending other seminars or programmes.